BUSINESS
BRIEFS N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 | V O LU M E 6 2
SUPPORT LOCAL Campaign
2021 ATHENA Scholarship Recipients
TRADE ACCELERATOR Program
WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – The recognized champion of a thriving business community built on innova on and partnerships.
CONTENTS November | December 2021 Volume 62
Message from President & Chair .................................... 3 Cover Story: Support Local Campaign .......................... 4-5 Q3 Chamber Highlights ................................................... 6
STAFF Rakesh Naidu
WEStaySafe Update ........................................................ 7
President & CEO Ext. 222 |rnaidu@windsoressexchamber.org
2021 ATHENA Scholarship Recipients ............................ 8
Keith Chinnery
Trade Accelerator Program ............................................. 9
Director of Membership Services Ext. 223 | kchinnery@windsoressexchamber.org
Cortney Crewe Research Assistant & Advocacy Committee Administrator Ext. 225 | CEOoffice@windsoressexchamber.org
Wendy Fulton Digital Events Platform Developer Ext. 221 | events@windsoressexchamber.org
Caitlin Hildenbrand Membership Coordinator Ext. 230 | childenbrand@windsoressexchamber.org
Sarah Hurst Creative Content Library Developer Ext. 231 | social@windsoressexchamber.org
John Newland Sales & Projects Manager Ext. 229 | jnewland@windsoressexchamber.org
Ailene Tungcul
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Membership & Database Administrator Ext. 228 | members@windsoressexchamber.org
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Kathleen Westlake Accounting, Events & Finance Administrator Ext. 227 | kwestlake@windsoressexchamber.org
WINDSOR-ESSEX REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2565 Ouellette Ave. Suite 101 Windsor, ON N8X 1L9 519-966-3696
519-966-0603
info@windsoressexchamber.org www.windsoressexchamber.org
Pillar Member Profile ..................................................... 10 Holiday Gift Guide .......................................................... 11 85th Annual Golf Tournament ......................................... 12 New Chamber Members .................................................14 Gold Circle Member Profiles .....................................16-17 Q&A with WERCC President & CEO, Rakesh Naidu ........ 18 “The mission of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be the key connector and advocate for the long-term business success of our Members.”
Message from the President & CEO and Chair
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Rakesh Naidu
Mila Lucio
President & CEO
Chair
Greetings Chamber Members and Friends, The fall season is well under way and the Chamber is buzzing with the energy of its recent announcements and events. As you may have heard, the Chamber Team recently launched its newest campaign, “WE Support Local”, an initiative that will encourage residents in Windsor-Essex to Shop, Dine and Ship in YQG. We are hopeful that our Members and other local businesses will see (and feel) the benefit of this program in the coming months as we know that Windsor-Essex businesses greatly need our support at this time. Watch for more information about this program on our social channels as we continue to grow the #WESupportLocal movement! Some of the Chamber Team including Board Chair, Mila Lucio and President & CEO, Rakesh Naidu were able to a end the 2021 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Virtual Annual General Mee ng last month. Even though we were s ll not face-toface, we did enjoy hearing from our colleagues at other Canadian Chambers and the strength of the Chamber 'voice' was s ll very apparent during our federal policy debates. We look forward to working with our na onal Chamber network over the next year. The Chamber is very concerned with the recent announcement of the second shi ending at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Our hearts go out to the 1,800 employees and their families. Several local businesses that rely on the WAP will be impacted as well, not to men on the thousands of employees in the supply chain. This decision and the nega ve impact it will have in our region make it even more important for the community to rally behind and support our local businesses. We support each other when we support local. With the 2021 Federal elec on just behind us, the Chamber will be speaking with all levels of government to provide opportuni es for our Members to voice their concerns and give feedback about doing business in the Windsor-Essex region.
Yours in Business, Rakesh Naidu & Mila Lucio BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022 Chair Mila Lucio
Vice Chair Beverly Becker
Past Chair Jason Ilijanic
Treasurer Heather Pratt Secretary Nancy Jammu-Taylor
Directors
Directors
Angelo DeMarco
Debra McVeety
Allison Hawkins
Gordon Orr
Steven Jelich
Ashok Sood
ATHENA Committee Lee Anne Doyle Emerging Leaders Christopher Da Silva Director Emeritus Dr. Alfie Morgan
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Speaking of events, the WERCC is in planning mode for several great upcoming events – both in-person and virtual. Some of these events are listed later in this issue or online at windsoressexchamber.org. We always enjoy mee ng our Members and are excited at the opportunity to once again see everyone in-person.
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Cover Story
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the most extensive 'Support Local' campaign in our 145-year history! This program, presented by Libro Credit Union, is running from October 2021 through January 2022 with a focus on community awareness and support. The campaign is intended to boost local businesses, retailers, restaurants and services as they recover from the impact of the global pandemic. At the Chamber we recognize the need to support our locally owned businesses now, when they need us the most. “Support Local is about pu ng our community first,” comments Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rakesh Naidu. “It makes economic, environmental and social sense to patronize the businesses in our region who have a vested interest in Windsor-Essex. Our community's future prosperity depends on how we support our businesses today.” Nurturing local businesses ensures a strong community and economy. Support Local, presented by Libro Credit Union, aims to encourage our community through a mul faceted marke ng program across pla orms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twi er. Branding for #SupportLocal includes: #ShopYQG, #ShipYQG and #DineYQG. By using these hashtags, we are promo ng the mindset as consumers to choose to buy from locally owned businesses. Business owners are encouraged to share their upcoming promo ons, good news stories or announcements so that the Chamber can amplify their message through social media.
There is an extensive regional marke ng campaign as well, in conjunc on with Support Local partners Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, including radio, print and the Jumbotron at Windsor Spi ires' games. The message of #ShopYQG is to encourage people to visit local shops, ar sans and bou ques where they can receive personalized customer service and support. Another op on is to order online from a local business for in-store or curbside pickup because money spent in Windsor-Essex stays in Windsor-Essex. Locally owned franchises, 'big box' stores and shopping centres are part of Support Local too because their employees are local, and they support our community. Ge ng out and exploring local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and shopping districts and places where friends, family and neighbours work, encourages connec on and synergy within the community. When people choose to #ShipYQG they purchase products from a locally owned business and send it as a gi to friends, colleagues and loved ones anywhere around the world. With the added benefit that Chamber Members can take advantage of discounted shipping rates of up to 50% through the Chamber's Member Benefits program with UPS, it's never been easier to shop locally and ship globally.
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con nued - pg 5
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Cover Story
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
ShopLocal Campaign (con nued)
Local retailers and service providers can submit their i n fo r m a o n to t h e f re e s h o p p i n g d i re c to r y a t www.shopyqg.com. Similarly, restaurants can provide details of their opera on to the free directory at www.dineyqg.ca. Informa on previously submi ed can also be updated on either website. A free marke ng toolkit, resources and program updates can be found at www.wesupportlocal.info
Support Local ini a ves will be featured in the Holiday Gi Guide, produced by Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island. Other program partners to date include Leamington and Amherstburg Chambers of Commerce, City of Windsor, St. Clair College, Be er Business Bureau and Rafih Auto Group. Watch for the Windsor-built Support Local Dodge Grand Caravan at community events all around Windsor-Essex. Thanks to funding provided by our Presen ng Sponsor Libro Credit Union, and other partners, local BIAs and Shopping Districts were able to apply for money to enhance their programming throughout the holidays and into the new year. Once again, our region will come alive with parades, light shows, extended hours, special contests and more. For more details and resources, visit: www.wesupportlocal.info
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Another aspect of Support Local is about exploring the diverse culinary op ons around Windsor and Essex County. The Chamber's exis ng #DineYQG program encourages residents to explore restaurants, cafés, wineries, and breweries while enjoying the variety of op ons for take-out, delivery, or dine-in services.
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Q3 Highlights
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November|December 2021 Business Briefs
WeStaySafe Program Update
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
WORKPLACE SELF-TESTING KITS Throughout the summer, the WEStaySafe team was part of several outdoor markets, including the Downtown Windsor Farmer's Market, the Olde Sandwich Towne Market and the LaSalle Night Market where they provided information on the program and signed up numerous businesses! There has been an incredible surge these past few months in new program participants and refills for our WEStaySafe Rapid Testing Program, with a 156% increase in the number of tests distributed from the end August to date. The Windsor-Essex Chamber still has a large inventory of FREE rapid tests and we encourage all small & medium-sized businesses to register. COVID-19 Rapid Tests are a great way for local businesses to test their employees for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases of the virus to keep their staff and our community safe. With results ready in 15minutes, they can easily be integrated into your workplace COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols, as well as your vaccination policy. To date, the Windsor-Essex Chamber has given out over 70,000 rapid tests and our Regional Chamber network has distributed over 90,000 tests since the start of the program to businesses in Windsor-Essex with fewer than 150 employees.
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Businesses can register at: www.westaysafe.ca or contact Wendy Fulton at: (519) 966-3696 ext. 221 for more information.
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Article: ATHENA Scholarship Article
2021 ATHENA
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Scholarship Recipients
The ATHENA Committee met in person with the 2021 ATHENA Scholarship recipients at Bistro on the River on August 26, 2021. Out of an abundance of caution, a formal ceremony will be postponed until 2022. Lunch was sponsored by Empire Communications. The Committee was very impressed with the 2021 ATHENA Scholars’ accomplishments and left knowing each of the scholars will continue to make a difference.
Congratulations! to the 2021 ATHENA Scholarship recipients:
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Alessandra Ceccacci
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Anumita Jain
has maintained academic excellence as an advocate for women's health. She graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree in 2018. Alessandra recently completed her second year in the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at the University of Toronto.
excels academically while serving as a student leader and mentor. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Behaviour Cognition and Neuroscience (Honours) program at the University of Windsor.
Jacqueline Eboh
Trevor Ramieri
has maintained a solid academic record while passionately helping others in the community in various leadership and mentorship roles. In 2017 she graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree, specialization in Justice Political Philosophy & Law. She is currently completing her combined Law (JD) at the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor.
combines outstanding academic excellence with a passion for creating diversity in his community and m e nto r i n g o t h e rs . H e re c e nt l y obtained his Culinary Management Diploma at St. Clair College in 2019 and is currently completing the Landscape Horticulture Program at St. Clair College, Windsor.
Selection criteria for the ATHENA Scholarship include academic excellence, community involvement, outstanding leadership and assisting girls and women to achieve their full potential. Each scholarship is valued at $5,000. The 2020/2021 ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts (Skyline Ballroom). Tickets will be available in April on the WERCC website and/or office. The 2021 ATHENA Scholarship Program is generously sponsored by: University of Windsor, St. Clair College, WFCU Credit Union, Loris Macor, Anne Winterbottom, Empire Communications, Matthew Stoyka, Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair, Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Roth Mosey, and Generator Design.
Article: TAP
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Trade Accelerator Program TAP into international markets and grow your business with the Trade Accelerator Program, offered by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Board of Trade. The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is an award-winning, innovative program designed to accelerate the strategic development of your business for expansion into new and existing international markets. Following a successful cohort last spring, the Chamber is now recruiting local companies in all sectors to the next TAP session in March 2022. Register on our web site (www.windsoressexchamber.org) for a TAP Information Session Wednesday st December 1 at 9:30am to learn more about what's involved.
The Trade Accelerator Program offers participants: Highly interactive and hands-on approach using case studies, workshops, and team negotiations Direct mentorship and highly personalized coaching by industry experts on a one-to-one-basis Expertly curated content from both the public and private sector on a newly developed learning platform High level peer-to-peer interaction, collaboration, and learning Connections with key contacts locally and abroad Even if you're already doing business internationally, TAP helps you refine and refresh your export plan in just a few sessions. Recent TAP graduates experienced an average 18% growth in export revenue in just one year. And 96% of TAP participants declared themselves better prepared to do business internationally upon completing the program. And the best part, the cost is only $495 dollars, thanks to the support of partners like RBC, EDC and BDC. The United States, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Italy, Sweden…….the export possibilities are endless with the Trade Accelerator Program!
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Join the December 1st Information Session for further details on how to be involved.
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Pillar Member Profile
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare launches story collection recounting experiences through pandemic In late September, Windsor's west-end specialty hospital Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) unveiled an important legacy campaign, one that recognizes the pandemic's historic place in healthcare history and reconciling a shared experience of its more than 1,100 team members. HDGH's Stories of Grit and Grace has seen spotlighted accounts of physicians, nurses, social workers, leadership, and board members, individually recounting their experiences, learnings, triumphs, hardships, and courage. Each story rallies on the HDGH culture of strength and perseverance entrenched in its more than 130-year history of healthcare excellence drawing symbolism from the hospital's name.
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The community can read the stories through www.StoriesofGritandGrace.org and follow the HDGH Instagram account (@HDGHWindsor) for featured team members. The HDGH Team is encouraging members of the community to share their stories using the hashtag #HDGHGritandGrace
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TWEPI Holiday Gift Guide
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, in partnership with the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce present the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide - your guide to supporting local this holiday season. Check out the guide now at www.yqgholidays.ca - and use it to explore Windsor-Essex and support your local entrepreneurs, artisans, makers and small business this seasons. It's packed with 190+ businesses to support this year including: 41 local artisans and makers that are part of the W.E. Made It ü program the chance to win the gifts featured in the guide (they're giving ü away over $4k in prizes this holiday season) awesome experiences to give for that hard-to-buy-for person on ü your list on all 9 City of Windsor BIAs and all 7 other municipalities ü ina profile Windsor Essex
ü an events guide including four free light festivals across the region ü locally sources recipes to serve for dinner ü a winery, brewery and distillery guide for perfect hostess gift ....and much more! Head over to www.yqgholidays.ca and explore the guide today.
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While you're at it, don't forget to check out their blogs & itineraries to inspire you to explore the region further. You can export the itineraries and send them direct to your phone for a stop-by-stop tour through google maps. Happy Holidays!
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Golf Tournament
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
85th Annual Golf Tournament Recap
FORE! Well, actually THREE! After two rained out dates, the Chamber was successful in holdings its 85th Annual Golf Tournament at Beach Grove Golf and Country Club on September 27, sponsored by TSG Pokerstars. The event was sold out back in June, but good things come to those who wait, and it was certainly worth it! The sun came out and our golfers enjoyed a Covid-safe day on the links. Players started their day with a welcome gift bag that included a jacket courtesy of Cintas, and souvenir golf balls provided by Holiday Inn Express Windsor East-Lakeshore. Then it was onto the course for 10 competitions including Windsor Star's croquet game, and AM800's Marshmallow Smash with lunch provided by MNP LLP! Things got serious when competition for the foursome winners ended neck and neck! Back at the Clubhouse, dinner was served on the outdoor patio courtesy of Johnson Insurance, while Cogeco Connexion ensured that golfers still had a reception treat by providing gift cards to everyone for The Lumberjack Restaurant. Big congratulations to the first place team (and skins winner!) Desjardins, second place finisher Paul Davis, and rounding out the top three teams was MNP LLP. Most Honest honour went to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Windsor East-Lakeshore. Longest drive winners were Thomas DeMarco (MNP LLP) and Erin Murphy (Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital). Closest to the pin were Rob Queen (Paul Davis) and Sandy Anderson (Grant Thornton).
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Mark your calendar for June 13, 2022 at Essex Golf and Country Club. Registration is now open and sponsorships are still available.
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November|December 2021 Business Briefs
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New Members July - October Advanced Foot Care Nurse and Wellness Centre Inc. Health Care Tel: (226) 363-0476 info@advancedfootnurse.com www.advancedfootnurse.com
November|December 2021 Business Briefs Global Business Access Business Services Tel: (519) 971-1097 eleva onptymanagement@gmail.com
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Go Oil Windsor Automobile Repairs & Service Artemis Assessment & Treatment Centre Tel: (226) 347-5935 Health Care adam@gooil.ca Tel: (519) 551-5414 www.gooil.ca tara@artemisassessment.ca www.artemisassessment.ca IGB Automo ve Ltd. Automobile Parts & Assemblies Aviot Energy Tel: 1-519-817-9911 Automo ve rklein@igbauto.com Tel: (226) 526-3966 www.igbauto.com zainshaikh@aviot.ca www.aviot.ca JL Design Architects Catalent Ontario Limited Pharmaceu cal Products (Whol & Mfrs.) Tel: (306) 209-3039 Tel: (519) 551-6085 john@johnplucente.com nicole.gerard@catalent.com www.johnplucente.com www.catalent.com LFX Supply Centre Cedar Valley Selec ons Inc. Landscape Contractors & Designers Food Products - Retail Tel: (519) 735-7777 Tel: (519) 300-6000 info@lfxsupplycentre.com info@cedarvalleyselec ons.ca www.lfxsupply.com www.cedarvalleyselec ons.ca
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CIBC Banks Tel: (519) 972-6163 wasiq.saiyid@cibc.com www.cibc.com
Managed Network Systems Inc. Telecommunica ons Tel: (519) 985-8410 clayton@mnsi.net www.mnsi.net
CPG Incorporated Human Resource Consultants Tel: (519) 992-4142 info@cpgincorporated.com www.cpgincorporated.com
Meridian Credit Union Credit Unions Tel: (519) 254-4324 bbc300@meridiancu.ca www.meridiancu.ca
Edison Financial ULC Financial Services Tel: (226) 782-3318 kris n.giesbrecht@edisonfinancial.ca www.edisonfinancial.ca
MetCredit Collec on & Paralegal Services Tel: (780) 420-2377 bsummerfelt@metcredit.com www.metcredit.com
Essex Lakehouse Event Venue Tel: (519) 87-8720 reserva on@essexlakehouse.ca www.essexlakehouse.ca
Mission Thri Store Windsor Retail Tel: (519) 250-9628 windsor@missionthri store.com www.missionthri store.com/store/windsor
Na onal Self-Represented Li gants Project - Dayna Cornwall Non-Profit Tel: (519) 253-3000 represen ngyourself@gmail.com www.represen ngyourselfcanada.com Na onal Self-Represented Li gants Project - Moya McAlister Non-Profit Tel: (519) 551-7786 moya.mcalister@uwindsor.ca www.represen ngyourselfcanada.com Nominal Machine Tool Manufacturing Tel: (519) 903-2867 jimm@nominalmachinetool.com www.nominalmachinetool.com Rafih Auto Group Automo ve Tel: (519) 979-1900 hal-taie@rafihautogroup.com www.rafihautogroup.com South Essex Community Council Social Service Organiza ons Tel: (519) 326-8629 mpieper@secc.on.ca www.secc.on.ca Spark LLP Lawyers Tel: (519) 714-2203 jacqueline@spark.law www.spark.law Tommy's Bar-B-Q a division of Tunnel Thom Inc. Restaurants Tel: (519) 991-4766 lesleystoiantsis@hotmail.com www.tommysbbq.ca YNCU - Your Neighbourhood Credit Union Credit Unions Tel: (519) 258-3890 dlebrun@yncu.com www.yncu.com
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November|December 2021 Business Briefs
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Gold Circle Spotlights
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
ENBRIDGE Enbridge Gas is one of North America's largest utilities. With 3,400 employees, including hundreds in Windsor and Essex County, we exist to deliver the energy that enhances people's quality of life, and have done so for more than 170 years. We have 3.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers and we meet 30% of Ontario's energy needs and heat more than 75% of Ontario's homes. Our franchise area generates 40% of Canada's GDP. We manage $25 billion in assets and invest more than $1 billion in capital in the province annually and another $1 billion in operations.
HIRAM WALKER & SONS When you wet your lips against a glass of Hiram Walker & Sons whisky, you're not just drinking a multiple Distillery of the Year-winning blend. You're taking a sip of history. Since its foundation in the 1850s, the Hiram Walker & Sons method is a tried and tested one. Selecting the highest quality grains. Fermenting the corn, barley, rye, and wheat separately. Hiram Walker & Sons blends about 130 million liters of alcohol (or 5,000,000 cases) a year. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 25 days a month, to create a variety of products, including vodka, rum, Canadian whisky, liqueurs and gin. And as the old saying goes, it takes a village. From pipefitters to electricians to production associates— from the warehouse floor to the office—every single employee's contribution is more than just necessary. It's the lifeblood of the company's beating heart.
MEDIA STREET PRODUCTIONS The role of video in the modern business landscape is more evident than ever. Video not only brings you closer to your audience, it enables you to connect and build deeper relationships with prospective clients. Established in 1995 – Media Street Productions continues to be an award-winning production and postproduction company. We provide a comprehensive range of services. Our expertise includes commercial production (television and radio), corporate, sales and training videos, not-for-profit awareness videos, live show production, and full post-production services. We are committed to our clients and their vision and we pride ourselves on creative thinking and flawless execution. Utilizing creativity, innovation, honesty and integrity to strive for excellence in doing so – providing a quality product and an amazing client experience.
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You know your business. We know video. You have a message. We can help bring it to life! Let us be your creative partners. Contact us today! www.mediastreet.ca
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FARROW Farrow is a diversified, full-service customs broker to importers in North America. Locally owned and operated by the Farrow family for over 110 years, services we provide include: Customs Clearances, Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain Management, Consulting, Expedited Deliveries, Software Development and Reporting/Auditing tools. The expertise and knowledge of our employees, coupled with high service and quality standards, differentiates us from competitors. Many staff are longtenured, which reflects a commitment to identifying people who complement our operating philosophy. Headquartered in Windsor-Essex, Farrow is involved in the community, and has a long tradition of giving-back to the cities and towns where our employees live, work, and go to school. Our competitive advantage is exceptional customer service, as exemplified by our Mission Statement As a trusted partner for our clients, Farrow delivers a customized blend of compliance and trade solutions with uncompromising personalized customer service. Farrow utilizes a consultative approach and innovative, technology-based solutions.
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
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Gold Circle Membership
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Q&A with Rakesh Naidu
November|December 2021 Business Briefs
Chamber President & CEO, Rakesh Naidu joined the WERCC in December 2018. As we approach his 3-year “Chamberversary” (which is the same day as his birthday), we asked Rakesh to reflect on his first few years and share some insight on what's to come for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and our community.
What Chamber accomplishments are you most proud of? “Membership retention during the COVID-19 crisis has been a challenge for all Chambers of Commerce. Despite the difficult economic times that many of our Members experienced (and are still experiencing) through the pandemic, I am proud that the Chamber achieved over 80% retention in 2020-2021. The Chamber Team was also able to turn around the organization's financial performance last fiscal year, putting us in a better position to continue offering quality programs and events, and to continue advocating on our Members' behalf with local, provincial and federal governments. The Chamber has also grown our Membership by over 100 during the pandemic. All of these accomplishments are a testament to the work that the Chamber does, the faith that the business community has in our organization, and the hard work of our amazing team”. What have you learned during your first three years with the Chamber that has surprised you?
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“When I joined the Chamber as President & CEO, I was surprised to learn the rich history that the Chamber has during its incredible 145 years. The Chamber continues to be a primary and strong advocate for businesses, and for the economy, in Windsor-Essex”.
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What is your vision for the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce? “My vision is to make us one of the top 5 performing Chambers in all of Ontario. This will include financial performance, Membership growth, Member engagement, as well as event and program offerings. Growth in all of these areas will help the Windsor-Essex Chamber rise to the top”. Do you anticipate any long-term changes to the way local businesses operate as a result of the pandemic? “Yes, I expect that the adoption of technology and ecommerce will increase significantly for local businesses. The pandemic has shown many business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs that they can, and should, use technology to its fullest. I also expect that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will be used increasingly by SMEs”. RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS: A business can't be successful without … “Customers (or in our case, Members)” The best book I ever read was … “Stumbling into Infinity by Michael Fischman” If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be … “Get into Meditation in my teens”